Education
Attended Brandeis University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in Psychology in 1992.
Received an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology in 2001 from MCP Hahnemann University with a GPA of 4.0.
“Susan is very encouraging and supportive, inspiring me to reach my training goals. The sessions always fly by since she has such a warm personality along with a positive attitude.”
—Clarice Elder
About Susan
Dr. Susan Rudnicki is a clinical health psychologist, certified personal trainer, certified group exercise instructor and founder of Susan PhD.
Dr. Rudnicki works with a diverse group of clients and therapy formats, from child psychology to couples counseling and family therapy. Her clinical specialties include treating depression and anxiety, conflict resolution and relationship enhancement, stress management, teen problems, parent training and women’s issues.
The Susan PhD office is located in Dunwoody, Georgia and includes a 2300 square foot fitness studio where Dr. Rudnicki teaches group fitness classes and provides personal training for clients.
Dr. Rudnicki attended Brandeis University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in Psychology in 1992. She received an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology from MCP Hahnemann University in 2001.
Q & A with Dr. Susan Rudnicki
Q: As a psychology and fitness expert, what have you found to be the biggest psychological block that prevents people from being successful at achieving and maintaining weight loss?
A: People want a quick fix and tend to have an “all or nothing” attitude when it comes to losing weight. There are usually feelings of self-worth at the core of the problem. It can be scary to take a look at yourself and dig deeper into what psychological issues are in the way; it’s easier to externalize our problems on the outside by carrying around excess weight. Our weight is a direct reflection of how we feel about ourselves.
Q: So what needs to happen for a lasting change to take place?
A: From both a physical and psychological standpoint, one of the fist things I do is figure out where people are in the phase of wanting to make change. That change won’t happen unless they have the active thinking and courage to move forward. People don’t change if they’re comfortable. They change when they are in pain, fear and when they’re uncomfortable.
Q: You have a new fitness class for girls ages 8-12, “Get Fit 4 Girls.” What are you trying to accomplish in terms of motivation and confidence at this pivotal age?
A: I’ve found that people who engage in sports and athletic activities when they are younger have a much easier time getting and staying in shape as they get older. I want to help these girls develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. I incorporate strength training and various exercises into fun, interactive games. This is a tough age for girls— but by being part of a team, they learn how to have positive peer relationships, leadership and a good work ethic.
Q: You write a column for the Atlanta Jewish Times and address a number of social issues, ranging from family and relationships to health and fitness. What are the main problems our community is dealing with that you can provide a forum for?
A: I think that most of us are busy trying to manage the pressures that are attached to work and family responsibilities. The key is finding balance in our lives and how to have healthy relationships— while juggling kids’ schedules and still finding time for ourselves. In my experience, learning how to set boundaries is essential— and when to simply say NO.
Q: What is unique about your fitness style and philosophy?
A: I have the credentials to stand behind my approach to mind-body balance.
I believe that exercise is a microcosm of how people approach their world and how they deal with fear and change. I can see so much about someone from watching them exercise– it reveals more than you would think!
I have an integrative approach to fitness. People are multi-dimensional, so exercise needs to be as well. I combine strength training, cardio, pilates, yoga among other things, and I really emphasize the mind-body connection. With my program, you’re truly getting fit from the inside out.
Q: What is your best advice for achieving a balance between mind and body? How do you maintain that in your own life?
A: I use my physical strength to keep my mind strong. If I’m feeling down about something, exercise helps me recoup and feel more centered again. I remind people that when you’re working on specific parts of your body, think about connecting to that body part. The results from that mind-body connection are real. It works.